Specified Adult Childcare Credits – Help Towards State Pension
![](https://whitingsllp.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/dwp-2.jpeg)
Do you have gaps in your National Insurance records (35 years contributions are required for maximum state pension entitlement)? Have you recently retired to help out with your grandchildren’s childcare but you are not yet old enough to receive state pension?
If so, and the child’s main carer is working and in receipt of child benefit, then you can apply for Specified Adult Childcare credits.
This works by transferring the NI credit attached to Child Benefit from the Child Benefit recipient to a family member who is caring for a related child under the age of 12. You would receive a Class 3 NI credit for each week that you cared for the child.
This credit can be awarded retrospectively as far back 6 April 2011, so there is potential for several years to be added to your National Insurance record, so receiving a healthier state pension when you reach the qualifying age.
See national insurance credits for adults who care for a child under 12 for further information
Disclaimer - All information in this post was correct at time of writing.